Lane rental cash funds smart traffic light trial

07/05/2019 | CHRIS AMES

A major utility firm has worked with a local authority and a technology firm to develop ‘smart’ traffic lights that aim to increase traffic flow by up to 24%.

The Auto-Green system uses radar technology, said to be 'inspired by smart motorway technology', to automatically adjust signals to suit the volume of traffic, reducing wait times for drivers.

Paul Dooley and David Latham at the site of the Maidstone trial

UK Power Networks, which is the country’s biggest electricity distributor, said the system accurately tracks vehicle movements and uses this information to optimise the operation of the lights, varying the decision-making algorithms and timings.

The system was trialled last week on roadworks in Maidstone, Kent, where UK Power Networks has carried out a £10,000 project to upgrade an electrical junction box.

UK Power Networks said the system can work better than manual traffic light control, often used on traffic sensitive roads at rush hour, because traffic conditions are difficult to evaluate and staff sometimes experience abuse.

Streetworks performance manager Paul Dooley said: ‘This is the first trial in Kent using this technology, which we hope will improve journeys by optimising the length of time for traffic lights to be green.

‘We are always looking for ways to improve services and by applying smart technology we may be able to reduce the impact of essential roadworks in our local communities while also cutting emissions from having fewer vehicle engines idling.’

Kent County Council is running a lane rental pilot and the project is being delivered through its proceeds via the Kent Lane Rental Innovation Fund.

Highway policy and inspections manager David Latham said: ‘I am pleased to see the results of research, with funding contributions from the Kent Lane Rental Fund, coming to fruition.

'These lights never get tired or stop monitoring and optimising themselves to maximise traffic flow, ensuring that any disruption is always kept to a minimum. This technology is better for drivers and the site operatives.’

The developers of the technology, AGD Systems, say benefits include a 24% increase in cars per hour passing through roadworks compared to traditional traffic lights, improvements to air quality and lower costs.

Trials have already taken place in Essex, Hertfordshire and Northamptonshire.

UK Power Networks said the findings are currently being considered and if successful, smart lights could in future be deployed across the county and the other areas the firm serves.

Highways InProfile

latest magazine issue
Highways jobs

Flood Risk Engineering and Strategy Officer

£49,764 - £55,623
In line with our One Coventry Values, we want to ensure that our communities are represented across our workforce Coventry, West Midlands
Recruiter: Coventry City Council

Senior Integrated Transport Officer

£34,324 - £37,529
Are you an experienced transport planning professional ready to influence strategic policy and drive real change Matlock, Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Street Cleansing Operative

£25,584.00 to £27,269.00, Grade 5
An opportunity exists in the Council’s Street Scene Services for a Street Cleansing Operative Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recruiter: Wakefield Council

Highways Gully Operative

£25,584.00 to £27,269.00, Grade 5
Are you a hard-working looking for career in highway maintenance? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recruiter: Wakefield Council

Roadworker Trainee LGV Driver (3 Posts)

Grade 6 £25,183 - £25,638 per annum (Pay award pending)
We’re looking for Roadworker/trainee LGV drivers to be part of our team undertaking major highway, bridge and related construction and reconstruction Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Highways Operative - WMF3003e

£27,711 - £28,624
We are looking to recruit Highways Operatives to our Highways Service. Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Engineer

£44,430 - £51,663
This post is within the Highways Design and Delivery Team. London (Greater)
Recruiter: Tower Hamlets London Borough Council

Highways Policy and Procedures Officer - WMF3011e

£37,035 - £37,938
This is an exciting opportunity to support the Asset Manager in developing policies and procedures Cumbria / Various
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Highway Maintenance Bridge Engineer

Band G, SCP 32 -37 (£41,511 - £46,731 per annum)
We have an exciting opportunity available within the Highways Service at Sandwell Council House based in Oldbury. Sandwell, West Midlands
Recruiter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council

Civil Enforcement Officer - WMF3013e

£27,711 -£28,624
Are you seeking an active and challenging role, part of a friendly and welcoming team? Cumbria / Various
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

RCHW Site Operative - Dovercourt Recycling Centre

Up to £25081.00 per annum
RCHW Site Operative - Dovercourt Recycling CentreFixed Term, Full Time£25,081 per annumLocation
Recruiter: Essex County Council

Highways Maintenance Manager

£49,764 - £53,817 per annum
We are looking for an experienced co-ordinator to join the team as a Highways Maintenance Manager Skipton, North Yorkshire
Recruiter: North Yorkshire Council

Civil Enforcement Officer

£25,183 - £26,409
Are you looking for a role that allows you to earn whilst been outdoors across the district of North Yorkshire? Whitby, North Yorkshire
Recruiter: North Yorkshire Council

Civil Enforcement Officer

£25,183 - £26,409
Are you looking for a role that allows you to earn whilst been outdoors across the district of North Yorkshire? Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recruiter: North Yorkshire Council

Senior Street Cleansing Technician (CDC)

Grade 6, £25,175 - £25,983 (Pay award pending) + 6% AIA
We are about to embark on an ambitious programme of change in our city centre Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recruiter: City Of Doncaster Council

Highways Improvement Manager

£49,764 - £53,817 per annum
Would you like to be part of our friendly, supportive, Highways team? Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Recruiter: North Yorkshire Council

UGO Bus Driver

Up to £25081.00 per annum
UGO Bus DriverPermanent, Part TimeUp to £25,081 per annum (full time equivalent)Location
Recruiter: Essex County Council

Highways Officer

£33,366 - £37,035 per annum
We are seeking to recruit a Highways Officer based at our Highways Office in Whitby. Whitby, North Yorkshire
Recruiter: North Yorkshire Council

Project Engineer - Forward Programmes

Grade 11 £38,629 - £41,928 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
At Derbyshire, we have been on a journey to transform the way we deliver highway services Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Head of Highways Operations

Salary
Somerset Council
Recruiter: Somerset Council
SUBSCRIBE NOW

Latest Video

Subscribe to Highways today to ensure you keep your finger on the pulse of everything happening in the UK road network throughout the year.

SUBSCRIBE NOW